Daniel Mahler

Daniel Mahler, 58, of Austin, Texas died of natural causes Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Daniel was a mathematician, philosopher, and computer scientist for thirty-three years.

He graduated from LaTrobe University in Melbourne. He was an expert in machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing applications, LISP programming language, and other programming languages. He held deep knowledge of logic and physics. Once described by a manager as a "Shark with a freakin' laser beam," he pointed his professional efforts at ever more challenging work throughout his career. Amongst his employers were Cycorp, Google, Bazaarvoice, and D-Wave Systems. He was a lifelong learner, enthusiastic researcher, driven experimenter, and patient problem solver. He loved discourse about these things with like-minded seekers.

Daniel was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and witnessed the Soviet invasion of Prague.

In the difficulty of that aftermath, he remained with his mother in Prague until he was 10 years old. His father, who had escaped to Melbourne, Australia, was able to bring them there. In Melbourne, he continued school and found lifelong friendships, especially in the Czech community. After graduating from university, he worked in Melbourne and Sydney until he immigrated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA to work on the Y2K problem.

He came to Austin in 1999.

In 2004 he planned to seek work in the UK but delayed for a year after meeting his wife at a party. He married her over the Internet while they were on separate continents. They made homes together successively in Austin, London, Zurich, and Austin again.

Animals gravitated toward Daniel, and he walked through life with pets he loved. His heart dog was a Corgi Red Heeler named Moses, who immigrated around the world with him. He loved the outdoors and nature and enjoyed SUPing on Lake Zurich and on Lady Bird Lake. He loved music of all genres and supported local and touring bands everywhere he lived, dancing with joy and vigor at concerts and shows, sometimes barefoot, almost always right up front.

He gave charitably to Doctors Without Borders, Clean Water Action, Central Texas Food Bank, Planned Parenthood, and charities in support of Ukraine. He was activated and incensed by the invasion of Ukraine.

Daniel was a dear husband, son, cousin, neighbor, colleague, and friend.

He is preceded in death by his father Petre Mahler and his mother Jana Hahnova Mahler. He is survived by beloved pets of the home and by his wife Jennifer Peel Mahler of Austin, Texas.

Memorial with friends and family will be held. Anyone who would like to make a donation on Daniel's behalf is asked to please select a charity to help Ukraine.